Millions of UK drivers are putting themselves and others at risk this winter by being ill-prepared for hazardous driving conditions, price comparison site uSwitch.com warned in a new research.
According to the latest study, nearly 7.5 million motorists don’t change their driving habits to suit winter conditions. More than one in five drivers ignore guidance in the Highway Code while 26% don’t always reduce their speed on icy roads.
Motorists are also in danger of invalidating their insurance policy even before they take to the road, as 25% admit to leaving the engine running with keys in the ignition.
Many are also failing to properly prepare for driving in adverse conditions, with 31% of motorists not completely clearing their car’s windscreen before setting off and 52% disregarding the passenger side windows. Majority of drivers also admit to using their hands or inappropriate objects like credit or debit cards and CDs to de-ice windscreens.
“As the UK prepares to be gripped by sub-zero temperatures, drivers must plan ahead to ensure their vehicle is winter road-ready,” said Kasey Cassells, insurance expert at uSwitch.com.
“Each year people are stung when they leave their car running to warm up as they finish their morning cup of tea, as most insurers won’t cover cars stolen while running unattended,” Cassells added.
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